Powder horns for Christmas

[DragoonRick]

Ta been a while since I’ve been here! I got a couple of horns to be used in making powder horns.  So thing to support my muzzleloaders  I don’t know much about cow horns.  One is flexible the other is very hard. I had to resort to a side grinder with a sanding disk.  These were aChristmas gift from my brother. He inquired about what I wanted for Christmas.  Well I told him a powder horn would do. He got me these horns he had laying around. They are not powder horns yet, but will be

[Zulch]

That sounds like a fun project Rick. Like to see them when you get them where and how you want them.

[Captainkirk]

Watching with interest! The only horn I have, I bought, so no tips or tricks in my bag as to how to make them...sorry!

[DragoonRick]

I did make a powder horn 45 years ago with a walnut cap. Polished with 2000 grit Emory paper and true oil finish. It still shines.

[Zulch]

That looks like some mighty fine work there Rick!

[DragoonRick]

It’s carried powder lots of years.  I’ve got four Hawken rifles, two flintlocks and six cap and ball revolvers.  I want to make three possible bags and three powder horns so I want have to switch gear and supplies.   Just grab a bag and go.

[Zulch]

Sounds like you are trying to be efficient Rick? I could use some lessons in that area.

[DragoonRick]

I will post some photos and descriptions of my progress.  I’m extra amateur in this area., but it seems “simple”.
 YouTube has some really professionals in the powder horn business showing their work. 
And powder horns can be had on eBay or other sources at modest prices, but I like making my own stuff.

[Hawg]

The cheap powder horns aren't airtight for the most part. You'll have to remove the plug(if you can)and seal it off. I did get a cheap horn from Crazy Crow that was airtight but I wouldn't count on all of them being airtight.

[AlaskanGuy]

I will be watching as this progresses if you will post ur results.

[Clydesdale4x4]

I was gifted a pretty grey-ish colored one, and I can't get either end to open, super frustrating.
Any tips?

[Hawg]

I was gifted a pretty grey-ish colored one, and I can't get either end to open, super frustrating.
Any tips?

Pics? The big end isn't supposed to open. Sometimes they have a threaded wood or brass finial but not usually.  If the stopper is wood You can probably wrap a rag around it and twist it loose with a pair of pliers. Stoppers are normally tapered so it shouldn't take much.

[DragoonRick]

I’ve been working on the “gray” horn since Christmas. It is very hard and did not yeld to a file.  I basically scraped it down to a size and weight. The next problem was finding hardwood for the cap. So I went to a Rocklers store. I found a piece of scrap wood that looked like oak or mahogany.. it was very hard . Carving tools took days to make fit.  Epoxy works well to attach the cap and mend a small hole that resulted from to much carving.
    Attaching the strap would seem easy. But the traditional staple does not appeal to me
I took the half os a small henge to make a loop connection . That’s where I am at the moment.

[DragoonRick]

As to wood you might us?  I found a bundle of fire wood at Walmart that must have been from an old barn or house. After planning off the surface on a couple of pieces it showed beautiful oak that can be used for various projects. I’ll use it for the next horn.

[Zulch]

looks like you've had your work cut out for you! Nice Rick. I'm Interested in seeing how the hinge system will work out?